M42 Adapter Question

greenboy · 02-16-2009, 10:58 AM

I'm about to purchase an official Pentax M42 to K-mount adapter and was curious if most users just get one or get more than one and just leave them on their M42 lenses? If I only get one and am constantly mounting/dismounting it from the adapter, does it put unnecessary wear on it? I read that is what happens to the Bower adapters. I'm just curious to see what most people do...

**Rense** · 02-16-2009, 11:07 AM

I have only one. You mount it to the camera, not to the lens, so you don't need more than one. It is impossible to leave the adapter on the lens, except if you remove the spring....

newarts · 02-16-2009, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by greenboy

I'm about to purchase an official Pentax M42 to K-mount adapter and was curious if most users just get one or get more than one and just leave them on their M42 lenses? If I only get one and am constantly mounting/dismounting it from the adapter, does it put unnecessary wear on it? I read that is what happens to the Bower adapters. I'm just curious to see what most people do...

I buy non-pentax adapters, remove the spring & leave them on the lens. I have 5 of them I think.

Others devote a camera body to m42's in which case only one adapter is needed.

Others swap as needed.

Dave

ytterbium · 02-16-2009, 11:15 AM

I have some 3..4. Dont think they are even bowers, varios origin. Infinity focus availible. Springs removed, mounted on lenses.
Did this after i could barely get the adapter out using pliers when i mounted it first time, still with spring.
2 of them had to be leveled off with a file, for them to mount in camera when on lens. I guess it was because when mounted they were recessed a little (les than 1/5 mm) in camera. When mounted on lens, base of lens did not allow them to be recessed, so a little had to be removed from those 3 flanges that goes in camera.

AndrewShirley · 02-16-2009, 11:18 AM

I have two but only use one.

- Andrew

**Rense** · 02-16-2009, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by ytterbium

I have some 3..4. Dont think they are even bowers, varios origin. Infinity focus availible. Springs removed, mounted on lenses.
Did this after i could barely get the adapter out using pliers when i mounted it first time, still with spring.
2 of them had to be leveled off with a file, for them to mount in camera when on lens. I guess it was because when mounted they were recessed a little (les than 1/5 mm) in camera. When mounted on lens, base of lens did not allow them to be recessed, so a little had to be removed from those 3 flanges that goes in camera.

It is no problem to get the genuine Pentax adapter from the camera. All you need is a thumb and a finger with nails. It's really a piece of cake!

I guess the problems described by ytterbium come with none genuine adapters....

X Man · 02-16-2009, 12:15 PM

Right on. Something else the OP must realize is that if you go with off brand adapters and remove the locking spring, leaving the adapter on the lenses....

... Without that spring, your nice M42 lens can easily dislodge from the camera body. The consequences can be, well you figure it out.

Regards,
Mike

Originally posted by Rense

It is no problem to get the genuine Pentax adapter from the camera. All you need is a thumb and a finger with nails. It's really a piece of cake!

I guess the problems described by ytterbium come with none genuine adapters....

gemini · 02-17-2009, 09:50 AM

I have only one, me too.

now i try to find and buy 3-4 m42 primes:
so when i go out i put the M42 adapter and i will use only m42 primes lenses

m42 lenses are very intresting

AlphaGAK20D · 02-17-2009, 09:58 AM

Based upon advice of the bright minds here at Pentax Forums, I just ordered the "official" adapter from Pentax.

Mount Adapter B

Look forward to getting it and testing out the Super Tak 55/1.8 and S-M-C Tak 135/3.5.

I've heard that just owning these (and other Tak) lenses makes me a better photographer...

AndrewShirley · 02-17-2009, 10:00 AM

They have a very distinct advantage over "m" lenses in that you can use Av mode to meter without having to worry much about exposure. They function almost like an "a" lens. Grab a couple of Takumars and you're set!

And yes, the Genuine Pentax Adapter is very easy to remove, but will not come off accidentally with a lens attached. All you need is a fingernail.

- Andrew

gemini · 02-17-2009, 10:03 AM

yes, "official" adapter is better.

you can move it only using your fingers (without any problems) and it is in good metal (no chromatic metal)

cardinal43 · 02-17-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by AlphaGAK20D

Based upon advice of the bright minds here at Pentax Forums, I just ordered the "official" adapter from Pentax.

Mount Adapter B

Look forward to getting it and testing out the Super Tak 55/1.8 and S-M-C Tak 135/3.5.

I've heard that just owning these (and other Tak) lenses makes me a better photographer...

That's the one I have, and I bought it from the Pentax store a couple of months ago. I think it was a couple of $$ more than that. Total including shipping was a tad over $37.

I used it yesterday testing out a Super-Multi-Coated Super Tak 55/1.8, and unfortunately, it did not make me a better photographer.

However, I will get better.

wildlifephotog · 02-17-2009, 10:14 AM

I buy 4-5 M42 adapters at a time from Roxsen on ebay. I take off the springs, and use one dot of Locktite as I screw it on the lens.
I then test fit, mark the lens lock pin location. I then use a diamond bit in the dremel to make a notch.
Now it works and locks in place like any K lens.

chhayanat · 02-17-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by wildlifephotog

I buy 4-5 M42 adapters at a time from Roxsen on ebay. I take off the springs, and use one dot of Locktite as I screw it on the lens.
I then test fit, mark the lens lock pin location. I then use a diamond bit in the dremel to make a notch.
Now it works and locks in place like any K lens.

After using locktite can the adapter be removed from the lens if needed?
Where is notch made with the dremel: on the camera's lens mount or on the lens?

wildlifephotog · 02-17-2009, 11:06 AM

I use Locktite because I want to leave it attached. If you were to just tighten it very good it should be fine. The notch is made in the lens base. Just like on a regular K mount lens.

02-16-2009, 10:58 AM	#1
greenboy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 60	M42 Adapter Question I'm about to purchase an official Pentax M42 to K-mount adapter and was curious if most users just get one or get more than one and just leave them on their M42 lenses? If I only get one and am constantly mounting/dismounting it from the adapter, does it put unnecessary wear on it? I read that is what happens to the Bower adapters. I'm just curious to see what most people do...

02-17-2009, 10:14 AM	#13
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	I buy 4-5 M42 adapters at a time from Roxsen on ebay. I take off the springs, and use one dot of Locktite as I screw it on the lens. I then test fit, mark the lens lock pin location. I then use a diamond bit in the dremel to make a notch. Now it works and locks in place like any K lens. Last edited by wildlifephotog; 09-27-2013 at 07:22 AM.

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02-16-2009, 11:07 AM	#2
Rense Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Zetten - The Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,050	I have only one. You mount it to the camera, not to the lens, so you don't need more than one. It is impossible to leave the adapter on the lens, except if you remove the spring....

02-16-2009, 11:07 AM	#3
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	Originally posted by greenboy I'm about to purchase an official Pentax M42 to K-mount adapter and was curious if most users just get one or get more than one and just leave them on their M42 lenses? If I only get one and am constantly mounting/dismounting it from the adapter, does it put unnecessary wear on it? I read that is what happens to the Bower adapters. I'm just curious to see what most people do... I buy non-pentax adapters, remove the spring & leave them on the lens. I have 5 of them I think. Others devote a camera body to m42's in which case only one adapter is needed. Others swap as needed. Dave

02-16-2009, 11:15 AM	#4
ytterbium Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,076	I have some 3..4. Dont think they are even bowers, varios origin. Infinity focus availible. Springs removed, mounted on lenses. Did this after i could barely get the adapter out using pliers when i mounted it first time, still with spring. 2 of them had to be leveled off with a file, for them to mount in camera when on lens. I guess it was because when mounted they were recessed a little (les than 1/5 mm) in camera. When mounted on lens, base of lens did not allow them to be recessed, so a little had to be removed from those 3 flanges that goes in camera.

02-16-2009, 11:18 AM	#5
AndrewShirley Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 421	I have two but only use one. - Andrew

02-16-2009, 11:42 AM	#6
Rense Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Zetten - The Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,050	Originally posted by ytterbium I have some 3..4. Dont think they are even bowers, varios origin. Infinity focus availible. Springs removed, mounted on lenses. Did this after i could barely get the adapter out using pliers when i mounted it first time, still with spring. 2 of them had to be leveled off with a file, for them to mount in camera when on lens. I guess it was because when mounted they were recessed a little (les than 1/5 mm) in camera. When mounted on lens, base of lens did not allow them to be recessed, so a little had to be removed from those 3 flanges that goes in camera. It is no problem to get the genuine Pentax adapter from the camera. All you need is a thumb and a finger with nails. It's really a piece of cake! I guess the problems described by ytterbium come with none genuine adapters....

02-16-2009, 12:15 PM	#7
X Man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 478	Right on. Something else the OP must realize is that if you go with off brand adapters and remove the locking spring, leaving the adapter on the lenses.... ... Without that spring, your nice M42 lens can easily dislodge from the camera body. The consequences can be, well you figure it out. Regards, Mike Originally posted by Rense It is no problem to get the genuine Pentax adapter from the camera. All you need is a thumb and a finger with nails. It's really a piece of cake! I guess the problems described by ytterbium come with none genuine adapters....

02-17-2009, 09:50 AM	#8
gemini Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 256	I have only one, me too. now i try to find and buy 3-4 m42 primes: so when i go out i put the M42 adapter and i will use only m42 primes lenses m42 lenses are very intresting

02-17-2009, 09:58 AM	#9
AlphaGAK20D Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Alpharetta, GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 302	Based upon advice of the bright minds here at Pentax Forums, I just ordered the "official" adapter from Pentax. Mount Adapter B Look forward to getting it and testing out the Super Tak 55/1.8 and S-M-C Tak 135/3.5. I've heard that just owning these (and other Tak) lenses makes me a better photographer...

02-17-2009, 10:00 AM	#10
AndrewShirley Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 421	They have a very distinct advantage over "m" lenses in that you can use Av mode to meter without having to worry much about exposure. They function almost like an "a" lens. Grab a couple of Takumars and you're set! And yes, the Genuine Pentax Adapter is very easy to remove, but will not come off accidentally with a lens attached. All you need is a fingernail. - Andrew

02-17-2009, 10:03 AM	#11
gemini Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 256	yes, "official" adapter is better. you can move it only using your fingers (without any problems) and it is in good metal (no chromatic metal)

02-17-2009, 10:08 AM	#12
cardinal43 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,412	Originally posted by AlphaGAK20D Based upon advice of the bright minds here at Pentax Forums, I just ordered the "official" adapter from Pentax. Mount Adapter B Look forward to getting it and testing out the Super Tak 55/1.8 and S-M-C Tak 135/3.5. I've heard that just owning these (and other Tak) lenses makes me a better photographer... That's the one I have, and I bought it from the Pentax store a couple of months ago. I think it was a couple of $$ more than that. Total including shipping was a tad over $37. I used it yesterday testing out a Super-Multi-Coated Super Tak 55/1.8, and unfortunately, it did not make me a better photographer. However, I will get better.

02-17-2009, 10:39 AM	#14
chhayanat Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Cow Belt Photos: Gallery Posts: 173	Originally posted by wildlifephotog I buy 4-5 M42 adapters at a time from Roxsen on ebay. I take off the springs, and use one dot of Locktite as I screw it on the lens. I then test fit, mark the lens lock pin location. I then use a diamond bit in the dremel to make a notch. Now it works and locks in place like any K lens. After using locktite can the adapter be removed from the lens if needed? Where is notch made with the dremel: on the camera's lens mount or on the lens?

02-17-2009, 11:06 AM	#15
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	I use Locktite because I want to leave it attached. If you were to just tighten it very good it should be fine. The notch is made in the lens base. Just like on a regular K mount lens.